Freedom In William Bradford's In Of Plymouth Plantation

William Bradford and his fellow Separatists faced many challenges in their fight for religious freedom. Bradford, In Of Plymouth Plantation, gives the reader insight into the Separatist’s trial and tribulations beginning with a brief history of Christianity. Bradford states, “it is well known unto the godly and judicious, how ever since the first breaking out of the light of the gospel in our honorable nation of England, what war and oppositions ever since Satan hath raised, maintained ever since, Satan hath raised maintained and continued against the Saints.” (3) Bradford is explaining how Satan worming its way into Christianity is not a new problem but one that has and will continue to persist. Bradford mentioning this is significant, by

implying the need to maintain Christianity as it is he is also setting himself and his fellow Separatists up as warriors preserving Christianity in its true form therefore not responsible for their actions because they are acting on God’s behalf. Next, Bradford, divulges into issues that are effecting the Christian people in the current day. Bradford states “at her death these people returning into England under gracious Queen Elizabeth, many of them being preferred to bishoprics and other promotions according to their aims and desires, that inveterate hatred against the holy discipline of Christ in his church.” (6) Bradford suggests that the church is losing its influence within the community because people are becoming blind by greed and “harmless ceremonies.” (7) The Separatists were forced to separate and hide. Eventually, a mutual decision was made to “go into the Low Countries, where they heard was freedom of religion for all men.” (10)
The Separatists quest for religious freedom brought them to Holland but not without trouble. Their voyage was met with “betrayal… both they and their goods intercepted and surprised, and thereby put to great trouble and charge.” Bradford discusses many reasons as to why the Separatists left Holland, one being “they saw and found by experiences the hardness of the place and country to be few in comparison.” (23) Bradford acknowledges the hardships one faces when coming to a new country and that most would not travel therefore losing members of their church. Secondly, the poor conditions of country left may sick, dying or dead thus moving to better living conditions would improve their overall wellbeing. Thirdly, “their dearest children, the which as it did not a little wound the tender heart of many loving fathers and mothers, so it produced likewise sundry sad and sorrowful effects. In other words, the Separatists want to minimize the damage done to their children by being exposed to others unlike them. Finally, they felt an obligation to educate others on the power of God. And so, the decision was made… The Separatists are going to America.